Swimming for Everyone: Why the Pathway Shouldn’t Just Be for the Top 1%

Let’s be honest – when it comes to youth sports, especially swimming, we’ve somehow convinced ourselves that the main goal is to find “the next big thing.” The next national champ. The next Olympic hopeful. The top 1%.

But in chasing that 1%, we’re quietly losing something much more valuable: the other 99%.

Week in, week out, I see brilliant kids – full of potential, full of joy – drift away from sport not because they’re lazy or unmotivated, but because the system tells them they’re not “good enough.” Not fast enough. Not medal-worthy.

And that, to me, is madness.

We Need to Talk About Dropout

Here’s a stat that’ll knock your goggles off: 70% of kids quit sports by age 13. Think about that. Seventy percent. That’s millions of young people walking away from something that could have given them lifelong confidence, fitness, and community – not because they didn’t like sport, but because it stopped being fun.

Swimming isn’t immune either. The structured lanes, the time targets, the early-morning pressure – it all adds up. Yes, some kids thrive under that. But many more don’t. And we’ve got to ask: what are we really building here? A community where everyone belongs, or a funnel for the few?

When Sport Becomes a Trial Instead of a Journey

We’ve all seen it. The squad where only the top lane gets the attention. The 8-year-old cut from the “A team.” The 12-year-old told they’re “not fast enough” to continue. And the message behind it all? If you’re not heading for gold, don’t bother.

Now imagine you’re that kid. You’re giving it your all, but your time doesn’t drop. You love the sport, but the race-day pressure eats you up. What’s left for you?

In many setups: nothing.

That’s the heartbreak. Because sport – especially at a young age – should never be about filtering out the “non-performers.” It should be about inviting everyone in.

What We Lose When We Only Focus on the Fastest

When we make it all about selection and results, we lose:

• Late bloomers (who just need a bit more time)

• Kids who love training but hate racing

• Youngsters balancing multiple interests (and thriving because of it)

• The quieter ones who bring heart and positivity to every session

Worse still, we send the message: unless you’re winning, you’re not worth the space.

And that’s a sure-fire way to lose good people – and potentially great athletes – before they ever get the chance to shine.

It Doesn’t Have to Be This Way

Here’s some good news: countries like Norway are showing us a better path. Over there, kids aren’t ranked or scored before age 13. Their motto? Sport for all.

And guess what? They’re smashing it on the world stage. But more importantly, 93% of their kids stay in sport. Why? Because it’s fun. Because there’s no early pressure to perform. Because nobody’s getting cut at age 8.

I mean, imagine that – a sports culture that values participation over perfection.

Closer to Home: What We Can Do

We don’t need to overhaul the whole system overnight. But we can start making changes in our own pools, clubs, and conversations. Here’s how:

1. Prioritise fun.

Yes, even in structured swim programs. Fun breeds consistency, and consistency breeds progress. Whether it’s relays, themed practices, or just a good laugh on deck – keep joy front and centre.

2. Celebrate personal bests.

Winning’s great, but improvement is where the magic is. Praise effort, attitude, and that moment when someone nails a flip turn for the first time.

3. Offer multiple pathways.

Not every swimmer needs to be on the elite squad. Recreational groups, part-time squads, or no-pressure leagues can be game-changers for long-term engagement.

4. Delay selection.

Early bloomers aren’t always the final product. Give kids space to grow without the fear of being “cut” too soon. Development takes time – and patience.

5. Support balance.

Let kids be kids. Encourage other sports, school plays, sleepovers – whatever keeps them happy, healthy, and rounded.

6. Be the kind of coach (or parent) you needed at their age.

Cheer them on, even when they’re last. Ask if they had fun, not just what their time was. Remind them that they matter – in or out of the pool.

Final Thoughts: Redefining Success

Let’s stop measuring success by podiums and start measuring it by smiles, friendships, and how many kids come back next season.

Because the real win isn’t raising a champion – it’s raising a child who loves movement, who sticks with sport for life, who walks a little taller because someone believed in them, even when they weren’t the fastest in the lane.

Let’s build a swimming culture – and a sports culture – that values everyone in the water, not just those out front.

Let’s choose sport for all.